PERRY, Ga.-Life is good in Perry. The Houston County was named on Movoto's recent list of the Best Places in Georgia.

The real estate blog examined all of Georgia's cities with a population of at least 10,000 before narrowing it down to 11 (nine of which are in metro Atlanta; two cities tied for 10th place). It used such statistics as amenities, cost of living, median household income, crime, tax and unemployment rates, and commute times to determine the ranking.

Middle Georgia -- sometimes referred to as Central Georgia or the Heart of Georgia -- is home to several bustling small cities, including Macon, a cultural and educational center for the region; Milledgeville, a former state capital; and Warner Robins, the metropolitan area around Robins Air Force Base. Though many of the cities in this area have festivals throughout the year -- including Dublin's St. Patrick's Day celebration and Forsyth's March Forsythia Festival -- the region's mild autumn weather in Middle Georgia makes October a popular time for festivals.

Near Macon

In late October, the Riverside Cemetery conservation group hosts a spooky evening celebration. Tour the pre-Civil War cemetery, where you'll run into the spirits of notable folks from Macon's past, including escaped slaves-turned-celebrities and Southern belles with nerves of steel. Unlike most festivals, the aptly named Spirits in October celebration requires you to sign up in advance to participate, because only a limited number of participates can join each walking tour. Tours take place every half-hour between 6 and 10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and the event usually takes place the weekend before Halloween.

Near Perry

Check out Georgia arts and crafts, ranging from word carvings to cornshuck weaving to pottery, and tap your feet to Appalachian music and gospel singalongs at the Mossy Creek Barnyard Festival. This semi-annual celebration devoted to old-fashioned skills takes place in March and October just north of Perry. In addition to music and crafts, you'll find demonstrations of vintage skills, such as tatting lace and braiding bullwhips, as well as hayrides, storytelling and special performances. Though kids are encouraged to join the festivities, pets aren't allowed, so plan accordingly.

Near Milledgeville

You'll find local and national bands, plenty of kids activities, live stage shows and arts and crafts at the annual Deep Roots Festival in Milledgeville. The festival takes place every year in late October. One of the biggest attractions at the festival is the People's Choice BBQ Championship, where festival attendees can sample and cast their vote for the festival's best pulled pork. The festival also hosts several other contests, and there are prizes for photography, crafts, cooking and more.

Near Eatonton

In Eatonton, the Briar Patch Arts Festival is an October highlight. The festival, which started in 2010, gets its name from the works of Joel Chandler Harris, who was born in Eatonton, and features work by local artists and craftspeople. Bands set up on live music stages throughout the festival, so you can check out local music while you browse the offerings at the booths.